Maya Jensen

Jazz Showcase, Chicago, IL10/6/10

Maya Jensen

Story by Brad Walseth, Photos by John Broughton, Copyright 2010

Young, up-and-coming bassist Maya Jensen made her Jazz Showcase debut last week and she and her youthful band mates showed that the future of jazz is in good hands. Backed by a talented group of players, including pianist Justin Dillard, saxophonist Caroline Davis, drummer Mike Raynor and trumpeter Victor Garcia (on the second set), Jensen and her band took on a setlist of choice standards that pleased the well-attended weeknight show.

These players started things off with a nice take on "If I Were a Bell." This song - from the musical Guys and Dolls has been a jazz standard since Miles Davis made it his own. On this evening, instead of trumpet, it featured Caroline Davis' sweet-toned alto sax. The set continued with another gem - Johnny Green's "Out of Nowhere," before stepping into bossa territory with Jobim's wonderful "Insensatez."

Young piano star, Justin Dillard continues to grow and already should be considered one of the very best pianists in the city. He displayed exceptional understanding of traditional elements, while integrating modern pianistic directions during Bird's "Relaxin' at the Camarilo," "Body and Soul" and Monk's "Well You Needn't." Dillard's playing style reminds one of Jason Moran.

Caroline Davis, meanwhile, also continues her ascent as a top flight player on the Chicago jazz scene. Her technique and confidence has increased every time I have seen her, and this night was no exception. Navigating songs like the aforementioned "Body and Soul" with its deceptively difficult passages is no easy task, especially with the spector of Coleman Hawkins (and others) looming over the melody, but Davis not only "shredded" through these tunes with abandon, but also did so in an enchanting voice of her own.

Ms. Jensen - who has studied with the great Larry Gray - seemed primarily content on her debut Showcase appearance to center the music - which she did in solid manner, while adding some tasteful solos when called upon. She seems to have a bright future. Drummer Mike Raynor was also solid in support and showed a nice touch on the kit on his solos as well.

The band loosened up more as the evening progressed, and the second set with the talented trumpter Victor Garcia (co-leader of the Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble) featured even more fine playing on well-chosen standards. The highpoint of the entire evening was the sizzling version of McCoy Tyner's "Contemplation" where everything came together for the band on a truly memorable and transcendant musical celebration. I look forward to hearing more from these great young musicians.